by Matthew Robley
The 2024-2025 NHL Season is coming to an end next week, and this season is an interesting one. Both New York teams are trailing in the wildcard spots, looking unlikely to make the playoffs while the New Jersey Devils are in 3rd place in the Metropolitan division. Here’s a recap of each team’s season:
New York Islanders: As of today, The Islanders are on pace to miss the playoffs this year. The Islanders stand at 74 points and are in 6th place in the Metropolitan division. Throughout the season, The Islanders have been struggling with many injuries such as Mat Barzal being placed on LTIR for a lower body injury after a blocked shot on February 1st, and Anthony Duclair being injured from the beginning of the season. These injuries caused a shortage of forwards for the team. This season has been a huge turning point for the Islanders, showing a need for change in the team’s core. The team must move on from older players and their contracts in order to open salary cap space and provide opportunities for younger players.
New York Rangers: This season has been a roller coaster of emotions for the Rangers. They have gone up and down frequently. From being the best team in the entire NHL last season scoring a huge 114 points and winning the presidents trophy, to a team barely fighting for a wildcard spot. Players such as Chris Krieder and Mika Zibanijad had a rough start and finish to the season. Mika Zibanijad struggled to score with only 17 goals this season. Chris Krieder on the other hand, Chris Krieder coming off a impressive 75 point season to only a 26 point year, struggling majorly with his playmaking on the ice with less ice time. Both Zibanejad and Krieder played in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Zibanijad in Sweden, and Krieder in the United States. Currently as of April 11th, 2025, The Rangers sit under the last wild card spot with 79 points, which is 8 point behind the Montreal Canadiens
New Jersey Devils: New Jersey has had some success this year, keeping themselves in the top 16 teams throughout the year. As of April 11th, 2025, The Devils sit in 3rd place in the metropolitan division with 89 points, clinching the 2025 playoffs. Players such as Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier have had very impressive seasons. Jesper Bratt has had his best season in his entire career with a high of 88 points (containing 21 goals and 67 assists). Nico Hischier put up an impressive 67 points this season, and a team leading 14 power play goals. Devils star Jack Hughes earlier in 2025 got a shoulder injury against the Vegas Golden Nights which caused an undergoing shoulder surgery, which would end his season early, leaving a giant gap in the Devil’s core and roster. The Devils hope to stay consistent to end the season in a good place entering the playoffs, even without Hughes.